A mask from the territory’s art collection was stolen from the Yukon Law Building on Thursday morning.
The mask, created by artist Keith Wolfe Smarch in 1987, was kept in a glass case in the building’s main lobby until it was bagged by an unknown person.
Police were busy collecting evidence from the scene later in the day, and are asking the public for tips in their investigation.
“Any loss to our permanent collection is a significant loss for us,” said Garnet Muething, acting art curator for the territory’s collection.
The mask was commissioned as part of a public call for art in 1988, she said.
Carved in alder and painted with acrylic paint, the mask was purchased for $600 and it’s value has increased significantly since then.
Anyone who has information on the mask’s whereabouts are asked to call RCMP at 1-800-222-8477. (James Munson)